Grand Rapids, Michigan Home Inspections
by Certified Master Inspector®
Danny Geurink
Photo by Rachel Kramer
Grand Rapids is the second-largest city in Michigan and the county seat of Kent County.[4] Situated along the Grand River approximately 30 miles (48 km) east of Lake Michigan, it is the economic and cultural hub of West Michigan, the fastest growing major city in Michigan, and one of the fastest growing cities in the Midwest.[5] According to 2019 US Census Bureau estimates, the city had a population of 201,013, while the greater metropolitan area had a population of 1,077,370, and a combined statistical area population of 1,412,470.[2]
A historic furniture-manufacturing center, Grand Rapids is home to five of the world's leading office furniture companies, and is nicknamed "Furniture City". Other nicknames include "River City" and more recently, "Beer City" (the latter given by USA Today[6] and adopted by the city as a brand).[7] The city and surrounding communities are economically diverse, based in the health care, information technology, automotive, aviation, and consumer goods manufacturing industries, among others.
Source Wikipedia 4/23/2021
Links for more information about Grand Rapids:
Common Home Inspection Issues in Grand Rapids, Michigan
Grand Rapids has a wide variety of homes — from late 1800’s heritage homes to 1960’s suburban builds with a few newer homes sprinkled in here and there — which means certain issues tend to show up again and again. Here are some of the most common deficiencies I find during home inspections in the Grand Rapids area:
1. Foundation, Settlement, and Drainage Problems
Because of Michigan’s freeze–thaw cycles and clay soils, foundation and drainage issues are very common. Typical findings include:
Vertical or horizontal foundation cracks
Old leaky stone foundations
Uneven floors or sticking doors
Poor grading that directs water toward the home
Damp or leaking basements
These issues can worsen over time, so identifying them early is important.
2. Roof and Exterior Weathering
West Michigan’s climate is tough on exterior materials. Common concerns include:
Worn, curled, or missing shingles
Ice-dam damage
Failing flashing around chimneys and roof penetrations
Moss or algae growth
Rotting exterior trim or fascia
Loose or damaged siding
Regular roof maintenance is essential in our climate.
3. Outdated Electrical Systems
Many homes in Grand Rapids — particularly those built before 1970 — still have older electrical components. Common issues include:
Knob-and-tube wiring in older homes
Older or undersized service panels
Ungrounded outlets
Missing GFCI protection in kitchens, bathrooms, and exteriors
Improper or unsafe DIY wiring
Electrical concerns can pose both safety and insurance challenges.
4. Moisture, Mold, and Ventilation Issues
Moisture is one of the most frequent problems found in West Michigan homes. Typical concerns include:
Damp or musty basements
Mold growth in attics or bathrooms
Crawlspaces without proper vapor barriers
Condensation from poor ventilation
Wet or compacted insulation
Signs of long-term water intrusion
Moisture problems often lead to hidden damage if not addressed.
5. Environmental and Older Building Materials
Pre-1980 homes in Grand Rapids commonly contain legacy materials that may require special handling during renovations. These often include:
Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACM)
Old vinyl floor tiles
Transite siding
Furnace or boiler pipe insulation
Popcorn ceilings
Older duct insulation
Vermiculite Insulation
Frequently found in attics of mid-century homes
Often associated with asbestos contamination
Lead-Based Paint
Present in nearly all homes built before 1978
Common on window sashes, trim, stair rails, and exterior siding
Peeling or chipping paint is the highest concern
Other Items
Older mercury thermostats
Unlined chimneys
Occasional lead water service lines in certain neighborhoods
Identifying these materials helps homeowners plan for safe renovations and long-term maintenance.
6. Plumbing and Sewer Concerns
Older plumbing systems in Grand Rapids present several recurring issues:
Galvanized steel supply lines with reduced water flow
Aging cast-iron sewer lines
Tree-root intrusion in older clay sewer laterals
Slow drains or gurgling fixtures
Water heaters at or beyond their service life
DIY plumbing not installed to modern standards
A sewer scope is strongly recommended for older homes.
Ink Inspections has been inspecting homes in Grand Rapids since 2016. I pride myself in providing the most accurate descriptions possible of your next home. As a owner/operator home inspector I work for you the buyer and no one else. If you want to hire the top rated inspector in Grand Rapids you are at the right place. Click below to view my pricing, availability and schedule your inspection in less than 2 minutes!
